Gunnar Staalesen was born in Bergen, Norway in 1947. He made his debut at the age of 22 with SEASONS OF INNOCENCE and in 1977 he published the first book in the VARG VEUM series. He is the author of over 20 titles, which have been published in 24 countries and sold over four million copies. Twelve film adaptations of his Varg Veum crime novels have appeared since 2007, starring the popular Norwegian actor Trond Epsen Seim. Staalesen, who has won three Golden Pistols (including the Prize of Honour), lives in Bergen with his wife.